November/December 2017

It’s a wrap for any business that makes and moves products, all in one issue of Trade & Industry Development. With so many of today’s products that rely on plastics and just as many that rely on metals, the information in the Feature articles that focus on these industries, and the factors that contribute to great location choices for them, every reader will find something of value and pertinence to their business. These industries are pivotal to the nation’s economy, so every business and state has a stake in what is transpiring with site selection decisions for them. The plastics Feature also includes a map to show where the majority of the plastics industry is flocking and/or has settled.

The third Feature is focused on logistics and supply chain issues and businesses. Technology, analytics, lean manufacturing, the e-commerce explosion and localized economies all factor into the new face of this industry. This is a must-read Feature to learn about the “Big 3” changes affecting logistics and supply chain concerns so that you ensure your business and/or third-party supplier is taking advantage of today’s innovations and efforts to improve labor productivity.

Complementing the logistics Feature are two Outlook articles from the leaders in the field: The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC).

Exclusive interviews in the Sites & Programs column introduce you to some great port areas and businesses that have found success at there, both inland and water.

There’s a great surprise as well: A special section on the leaders in economic development, invaluable to site searches. The four Spotlight articles will also get you the facts about Texas, Georgia, Kansas and Louisiana.